Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An unlicensed carrier contention method, comprising: performing, by a Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) device, a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) on a channel, and after sensing the channel is idle during the CCA, proceeding to execute the following operations: S 1 : if a random withdrawal number N>0, decrementing, by the LAA device, N by one, wherein N is randomly generated by the LAA device or configured by another device and is a nonnegative integer; S 2 : sensing, by the LAA device, the channel through the CCA and executing S 3 if the channel is sensed to be idle, otherwise executing S 4 ; S 3 : if N=0, using, by the LAA device, an unlicensed carrier for data transmission, otherwise executing S 1 ; S 4 : sensing, by the LAA device, the channel through the CCA; and S 5 : if the channel is sensed to be idle, executing S 1 or S 3 by the LAA device, otherwise executing S 4 by the LAA device, wherein the CCA performed by the LAA device in S 2 is one CCA of an extended Clear Channel Assessment (eCCA), and wherein the CCA performed by the LAA device in S 4 is the same as the CCA initially performed by the LAA device, both being initial CCAs.
Wireless communication, specifically unlicensed spectrum access. This invention addresses the challenge of efficiently and fairly accessing unlicensed radio channels, such as those used in Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) systems, while avoiding interference with existing licensed users. The method involves an LAA device performing an initial Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) to determine if a channel is idle. If the channel is sensed as idle, the device proceeds with a contention resolution process. This process begins by checking a randomly generated or configured non-negative integer, N. If N is greater than zero, it is decremented by one. The device then performs another CCA. If this subsequent CCA indicates the channel is still idle, the device checks if N has reached zero. If N is zero, the device proceeds to transmit data on the unlicensed carrier. If N is not zero, the process loops back to decrementing N. If the second CCA detects activity on the channel, the device performs another CCA. If this CCA finds the channel idle, the device can either restart the decrementing process (S1) or attempt data transmission if N is zero (S3). If the channel remains busy, the device continues to perform CCAs. The initial CCA and the CCA performed after sensing the channel is idle in the second step are both considered initial CCAs, while the CCA performed when the channel is sensed busy is part of an extended CCA (eCCA).
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the CCA includes at least one of: an initial CCA or the eCCA.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for performing clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine the availability of a communication channel before transmission. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable channel assessment to avoid interference and collisions in shared wireless environments, particularly in systems like Wi-Fi or other unlicensed spectrum networks. The method involves using a clear channel assessment (CCA) mechanism that includes at least one of an initial CCA or an enhanced CCA (eCCA). The initial CCA is a basic assessment to check if the channel is idle before transmission. The enhanced CCA (eCCA) is an advanced assessment that may include additional checks, such as signal strength measurements, interference detection, or other criteria to improve reliability. The method ensures that transmissions only occur when the channel is sufficiently clear, reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving overall network performance. The invention is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where multiple devices compete for the same channel.
3. An unlicensed carrier contention apparatus, applied to a Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) device side and comprising: a memory for storing computer-readable instructions; a processor executing the computer-executable instructions to implement a plurality of program modules, wherein the plurality of program modules comprises: a first detection module, a first determination module, a first processing module, a transmission module, a second detection module, a first triggering module and a first generation module, wherein the first detection module is configured to perform a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) on a channel, and after sensing the channel is idle during the CCA, the apparatus functions through the following modules: the first determination module configured to decrement a random withdrawal number N by one if N>0, wherein N is randomly generated by the first generation module of the LAA device or configured by another device and is a nonnegative integer; the first processing module configured to sense the channel through the CCA, and function through the transmission module if the channel is sensed to be idle, otherwise function through the second detection module; the transmission module configured to use an unlicensed carrier for data transmission if N=0, otherwise function through the first detection module; the second detection module configured to sense the channel through the CCA; and the first triggering module configured to activate the first detection module or the processing module if the channel is sensed to be idle, otherwise activate the second detection module, wherein the CCA performed in the first processing module is one CCA of an extended Clear Channel Assessment (eCCA), wherein the CCA performed in the second detection module is an initial CCA, and wherein the CCA performed in the first detection module is the initial CCA.
This invention relates to unlicensed carrier contention in Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) systems, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing channel access in shared spectrum environments. The apparatus includes a memory and processor executing modules to handle contention-based access. A first detection module performs an initial Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) on a channel. If the channel is idle, a first determination module decrements a random backoff number N (generated or configured by another device) by one if N>0. A first processing module then performs an extended CCA (eCCA) to sense the channel again. If idle, a transmission module uses the unlicensed carrier for data transmission if N=0; otherwise, the first detection module repeats the process. If the channel is busy during the first processing module's eCCA, a second detection module performs another initial CCA. A first triggering module reactivates the first detection or processing module if the channel is idle, or the second detection module if busy. This system ensures fair and efficient channel access in LAA networks by combining random backoff with multi-stage CCA checks.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the CCA includes at least one of: the initial CCA or the eCCA.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for clear channel assessment (CCA) in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable channel sensing to avoid interference and improve communication performance in shared spectrum environments. The apparatus includes a clear channel assessment (CCA) module that performs at least one of initial CCA or extended CCA (eCCA). The initial CCA is a basic channel sensing mechanism that determines whether a communication channel is available for transmission by detecting energy levels or signal presence. The extended CCA (eCCA) is an advanced sensing method that may involve additional criteria, such as signal identification, interference detection, or compliance with regulatory requirements, to make more informed decisions about channel availability. The apparatus may also include a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication, as well as a controller to manage the CCA process. The CCA module may be configured to switch between initial CCA and eCCA based on network conditions, operational requirements, or regulatory constraints. This flexibility allows the apparatus to adapt to different environments, ensuring reliable communication while minimizing interference with other devices. The invention aims to enhance channel access efficiency and reduce collisions in wireless networks by providing a configurable CCA mechanism that can be tailored to specific use cases. This is particularly useful in dense or dynamic wireless environments where traditional CCA methods may be insufficient.
5. An unlicensed carrier contention method, comprising: performing, by a Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) device, a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) on a channel, and after sensing the channel is idle during the CCA, executing, by the LAA device, the following operations: S 1 : executing S 4 by the LAA device; S 2 : if a random withdrawal number N>0, decrementing, by the LAA device, N by one, wherein N is randomly generated by the LAA device or configured by another device and is a nonnegative integer; S 3 : sensing, by the LAA device, the channel through the CCA, and executing S 4 if the channel is sensed to be idle, otherwise executing S 5 ; S 4 : if N=0, using, by the LAA device, an unlicensed carrier for data transmission, otherwise executing S 2 ; S 5 : sensing, by the LAA device, the channel through the CCA; and S 6 : if the channel is sensed to be idle, executing S 2 or S 4 by the LAA device, otherwise executing S 5 by the LAA device, wherein the CCA performed by the LAA device in S 3 is one CCA of an extended Clear Channel Assessment, eCCA, and wherein the CCA performed by the LAA device in S 5 is the same as the CCA initially performed by the LAA device, both being initial CCAs.
This invention relates to unlicensed spectrum access in wireless communication systems, specifically addressing contention-based channel access for Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) devices. The method improves fairness and efficiency in shared spectrum usage by implementing a structured contention process. An LAA device performs a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) to determine if a channel is idle. If idle, the device proceeds with a series of steps: first, it checks a random withdrawal number N, which is either self-generated or configured by another device. If N is greater than zero, it decrements N by one. The device then performs an extended CCA (eCCA) to recheck the channel. If the channel remains idle, the device either proceeds to data transmission (if N=0) or repeats the process. If the channel is busy, the device performs an initial CCA again. This iterative process ensures fair access by incorporating random backoff and repeated channel sensing, reducing collisions in unlicensed spectrum environments. The method balances responsiveness and fairness, optimizing spectrum utilization for LAA devices.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the CCA includes at least one of: the initial CCA or the eCCA.
A method for wireless communication involves performing a clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine the availability of a communication channel before transmitting data. The CCA process includes at least one of an initial CCA or an extended CCA (eCCA). The initial CCA is a quick assessment to check if the channel is immediately available, while the extended CCA involves a more detailed evaluation, such as monitoring the channel for a longer duration or analyzing additional parameters like signal strength or interference levels. This method ensures efficient channel usage by reducing collisions and improving transmission reliability in wireless networks. The technique is particularly useful in environments with high traffic or interference, where accurate channel assessment is critical for maintaining communication quality. By incorporating both initial and extended CCA options, the method provides flexibility in adapting to different network conditions and requirements. The method may be implemented in wireless devices such as access points, routers, or user equipment to optimize channel access and enhance overall network performance.
7. An unlicensed carrier contention apparatus, applied to a Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) device side and comprising: a memory for storing computer-readable instructions; a processor executing the computer-executable instructions to implement a plurality of program modules, wherein the plurality of program modules comprises: a third detection module, a second triggering module, a second determination module, a second processing module, a fourth detection module, a third triggering module and a second generation module, wherein the third detection module is configured to perform a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) on a channel, and after sensing the channel is idle during the CCA, the apparatus continues to function through the following modules: the second triggering module configured to activate the second processing module; the second determination module configured to decrement a random withdrawal number N by one if N>0, wherein N is randomly generated by the second generation module of the LAA device or configured by another device and is a nonnegative integer; the third detection module configured to sense the channel through the CCA and activate the second processing module if the channel is sensed to be idle, otherwise activate the fourth detection module; the second processing module configured to use an unlicensed carrier for data transmission if N=0, otherwise activate the second determination module; the fourth detection module configured to sense the channel through the CCA; and the third triggering module configured to activate the second triggering module or the second processing module if the channel is sensed to be idle, otherwise activate the fourth detection function, wherein the CCA performed in the third detection module is one CCA of an extended Clear Channel Assessment (eCCA), and wherein the CCA performed in the fourth detection module is the same as the CCA initially performed by the third detection module, both being initial CCAs.
This invention relates to unlicensed carrier contention in Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) systems, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing channel access in shared spectrum environments. The apparatus includes a memory and processor executing modules to handle contention-based access. A detection module performs a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) to determine if a channel is idle. If idle, a triggering module activates a processing module. A determination module decrements a random backoff number N (generated or configured by another device) by one if N>0. If N=0, the processing module uses the unlicensed carrier for data transmission. If N>0, the determination module continues the process. If the channel is busy during CCA, another detection module performs a second CCA. If the channel becomes idle, a triggering module reactivates the initial triggering or processing module. The CCA in the initial detection is part of an extended CCA (eCCA), while the second CCA is identical to the initial CCA, both being initial CCAs. This ensures fair and efficient channel access in unlicensed spectrum.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the CCA includes at least one of: the initial CCA or the eCCA.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically apparatuses for performing clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine the availability of a communication channel before transmitting data. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable channel assessment to avoid collisions and improve communication performance in shared spectrum environments. The apparatus includes a clear channel assessment (CCA) module that evaluates the channel state to decide whether transmission is permissible. The CCA module can perform at least one of two types of assessments: initial CCA (iCCA) or extended CCA (eCCA). The iCCA is a basic assessment that checks the channel for immediate availability, while the eCCA is a more thorough evaluation that may include additional checks, such as energy detection or signal decoding, to ensure the channel is truly free for transmission. The apparatus may also include a transmitter that initiates data transmission only if the CCA module confirms the channel is available. The invention improves upon prior art by providing flexibility in channel assessment methods, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions. The use of either iCCA or eCCA, or both, ensures robust channel utilization while minimizing interference with other devices operating in the same spectrum. This is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where efficient spectrum sharing is critical.
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September 3, 2019
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